Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Wednesday received his certificate of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and unveiled plans to establish a N500m election violence victims endowment fund.
The certificate was presented to him by the INEC National Commissioner representing the South-West, Prof Kunle Ajayi. The event was attended by political associates of the governor and members of his cabinet.
NIGERIA PROJECT reports that Adeleke was declared winner of the governorship election by the State Returning Officer of INEC, Prof Joshua Ogunwole, on Sunday.
Adeleke gathered 511,067 votes to defeat his closet revival, the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who scored 444,815 votes
Speaking during the event, Adeleke lauded the roles played by different segments of the state in his victory at the poll.
He said, “This certificate does not belong to Ademola Adeleke alone. It belongs to the people of Osun State: our workers, market men and women, youths, traditional and religious leaders, and every citizen who participated in this democratic process.
“I am deeply humbled by the confidence you have renewed in me.”
Speaking on those injured and murdered in the build-up to the election, the governor said a verification and relief committee, to be chaired by the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, would administer the fund and oversee the transparent identification of victims and equitable distribution of support.
“But even in victory, we must be sober in reflection. Citizens were injured, properties and livelihoods were destroyed and, most painfully, precious lives were lost.
“It is deeply painful that any family should have to bury a loved one because of politics. No election, political office or ambition is worth the life of a single citizen.
“We remember Ezekiel Olapade, Aderogba Ajayi, Remi Abass, Kolade Eluyera, and every other victim of electoral violence.
“Regardless of political affiliation, they were first our brothers, sisters and fellow citizens. To their families, your pain is our pain, and your loved ones will never be reduced to mere statistics,” the governor added.
He added that his family, through the Springtime Development Foundation, would provide full scholarships up to university level for the children and dependants of those who lost their lives.
“The Osun State Government will also establish a N500m election violence victims endowment fund to support verified victims and affected families.
